Headshot Photography

Preparation and FAQ

So there’s no denying it or excuse for it. You have to be well prepared to get this right. A lot of sessions in the past could have gone better if people had brought the right bra, or remembered their straighteners etc… so this is exhaustive but i really want you to think of everything to make the best use of the time. Upon booking hoy will also receive a PDF with more detailed information.

Clothing

Hard to keep this brief! The most important note I can give on this is cheap (sometimes) looks cheap and old (always) looks old. You are trying to emulate success and professionalism in your flashy new headshots. something as simple as the neck line of the t shirt you bring being a bit drab and having lost its shape could ruin an otherwise successful shot. Also in todays fast fashion the thin materials that get used can be almost see through at times and don’t hug physiques in the most flattering ways. If you have or can invest in some better quality items I promise you it will read in the image  (don’t forget the leave the tags in and return trick!!). Apart from that - simplicity often wins, layers are great, variety is essential and think of the tops also determining the characters you can play. Its also so easy nowadays to research what other successful headshots in your casting bracket are using clothing wise. If you want to do well at this there’s no shortcut to Research and Prep!

Colour wise,

• Rich deep colours like green, blue, navy, maroon, mustard and burnt orange work nicely.

• Very strong colours like a bold red or bright orange and yellow often over power the subject.

• Pale blue, pinks and pastels often make things look more youthful.

• Earthy, grey and neutral tones are a good safe bet.

• Black are always useful but don’t bring everything in Black.

Below are just some ideas of tried and tested looks I think work well. make sure to check the variety in neck lines.

Motivation and Mental Prep

What characters can you play, I know you’re an actor and sure you can turn your hand to anything, but in this oversubscribed industry who can you play? we’ll always aim to get a neutral shot, the everyday you looking engaging and dynamic. Outside of that are you the comedy pal, the romantic lead, the urban chav, period aristocrat, business professional? Really research what you can play and if you have an agent ask them. Are you marketing the same product together?

Bring me some defined looks to go alongside your neutral ones, come engaged and energetic with a realistic list of things you want to get out of the shoot

Do you have a good side? I'm cool with it if you do, i’d rather know! it might challenge me to try and get a good one on the other side, but it’s a good starting place.

Have a re look at your previous headshots if you have any and bring them with you. what worked? what did you feel you didn't capture? think back to the session - did you come well prepared with a good energy? what would you improve about your performance from your last session?

THIS REALLY IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE QUOTES

“FAIL TO PREPARE AND PREPARE TO FAIL”

A final thought… what’s to gain from being one of the big group of actors i meet that start the session with 'just to let you know, i hate having my photo taken'.. As an excercise - if that is how you feel - Act, perform, pretend whatever you will for a few hrs that you are a character that finds this routine, everyday and maybe enjoyable? surely that's a better working environment than nerves and apprehension. I PROMISE you being in my studio isn’t as daunting or scary as some people imagine and I’ve become well versed at relaxing people on the day!

Make-Up

As a starting point I think you should come with the same amount of make-up on as you would wear to an audition. If you’re a dancer maybe a little less as full dance make-up will probably be too heavy.

Most people like to start very neutral, just covering up blemishes, and a little around the eyes and some neutral colour or gloss on the lips.

If you have a 2 hr Headshot session it needs to be done before hand, you won’t have time to do it in the room as that will probably eat into 15mins of your session time, feel free to add some as you go through the session.

Don’t Fake Tan unless you’re a pro, up close it can get very patchy and your skin tone look really un-even. Fake lashes, especially very bold ones, generally look too heavy and close they eye or even obstruct it.

Hair

Really important, DO NOT get your hair cut or coloured just before the shoot. It may not turn out just as you planned, give yourself a few days to make sure there’s no disasters.

Everyone’s hair is obviously so different, but.. 9 times out of 10, Girls if you have a long hair style it generally looks better with some volume. If it’s too flat or fine it can be a bit lifeless. Also think about your parting, most people day to day go central but just flipping it around a bit can make a big difference. When we’re only working with head and shoulders, hair is a massive element in that frame.

Also think about if any simple hair-up styles can work well for you? when you will wash your hair before the shoot? too close to the shoot it could be a bit limp and leave it too long it could be greasy.

If you’ve booked the 3 hr Headshot Portfolio i’m happy for people to curl or straighten their hair for a different look within that time frame. the 2 hr session gets a bit tight for a big change like that.

Shaving - Guys you’re more than welcome to do a shave, again I would recommend the 3 hr session as it’s almost like shooting 2 different people and takes time, you can also suffer from redness or cuts.